. >>> plus, preparing to pay respects to a civil rights icon. how the family of nelson mandela is comforting mourners at his home. >>> and the cold snap, a warning for sierra drivers a and how long the freeze warning will last for the bay area. >>> nbc bay area news starts now. >>> good evening, i'm diane dwyer. and we start with a developing story, the 85-year-old palo alto man held in north korea is free tonight, back in the bay area. nbc's bay area kimberly terry has more on the newly released photo of him, kimberly? >> reporter: that is right, dianna, happy to be home, we want to show you the photo of merrill newman and his wife, happy at home. he says he is truly grateful for all the support he and his family have received during this ordeal. korean war veteran merrill newman arrived at san francisco international airport to a group of media. he held hands with his wife, lee, and his son, jeff, was beside him. >> good morning, i'm delighted to be home. i want to thank the swedish embassy in korea. >> reporter: he was released with humanitar